Review - 'Pay the Reckoning'

Sheet music for flute, violin- Irish Scottish session tune arrangements notation

"Spence's labour of love is a set of tunes in a variety of rhythms from the Irish and Scottish traditions, arranged for two instruments. Such arrangements are uncommon in either tradition where unison playing is the preferred modus operandi.

Irish Scottish Bretton

"Spence's arrangements give us a glimpse of a tantalising alternative. The scores which he provides in the ring-bound booklet serve as a tool to assist other players to achieve his goal of tight, complementary arrangements. However they will likely also inspire the inquisitive musician to explore their own such arrangements.

Sheet music for flute, violin, mandolin etc

"The tunes tend towards the more well-known - The Flowers of Edinburgh; The Lisdoonvarna Polka (Leather Away With The Wattle-O or Grand Ould Dame Britannia as it's also known); The Irish Washerwoman - but there's little call for obscure tunes in such an instructional booklet. On the whole these are tunes with which the traditional player will be readily familiar. He or she will, however, be struck by the way in which a well-arranged tune reveals new features, by the way in which an unexpected - but intelligently located - counter-note helps to colour an old favourite tune.

sheet music for flute, violin, whistle, guitar, accordian, banjo mandolin -and most treble clef instruments

"Spence has recorded his arrangements on the accompanying CD. A quick listen will convince those who resist that Spence has one hell of an ear for dynamic, though utterly sympathetic, arrangements. Played on an extremely clean electric guitar with acoustic guitar accompaniment, Spence's languid pace is ideal to play along with. The CD of recordings is intended as an educational/instructional tool and Spence probably hasn't envisaged it attracting the attention of the non-player. Nevertheless, we at Pay The Reckoning were very taken with the clarity and pace of Spence's playing and found ourselves listening for sheer pleasure. (And we're sure others will do likewise!)

"In particular his rendition of The Flowers of Edinburgh is a joy. The tune is deceptively simple. However it has its quirks which present challenges to the player. Spence handles these with fluid ease.

"For an example of a well-played slow reel, look no further than Spence's version of Drowsy Maggie. This staple of the canon benefits from Spence's unrushed, confidently articulate picking. A pure delight!

"If we've managed to whet your appetite, then get yourself over to http://www.sweetonemusic.co.uk where Spence touts his wares. "

Pay The Reckoning March 2003

 

 

Tunebook book of 10 top quality,highly melodic flexible arrangements with original second parts, of traditional Dance and Session tunes from Scotland and Ireland. Package includes Professional full length CD Recordings to aid rehearsal. Used and proven in live performance.

Printed on quality paper in ring bound book, 1 part per A4 page

Guidance notes show many ways to add interest, variety to folk bands, duos, ceilidh bands, barn dance bands, folk-rock etc

 

Jigs, Reels, Polkas - tunes include Flowers of Edinburgh, Drowsy Maggie, Irish Washerwoman, Lisdoonvana

 

 

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